After a disappointing campaign last year, the Portland Trail Blazers have bounced back with a 6–5 start, and with Damian Lillard nearing his return, optimism is building in Portland. But is that enough to fuel a legitimate playoff run? One analyst isn’t convinced, arguing the Blazers must make a bold, win-now move to help them end their four-year playoff drought.

Trail Blazers Predicted To Acquire Standout Jazz Forward

Portland has surged to a promising 6-5 start, punctuated by dramatic comeback victories against powerhouse teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets.

The team’s youth, grit, and athleticism stand out. Deni Avdija has emerged as a star, averaging 26.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. The offense is electric, fueled by balanced scoring, strong spacing, and contributions from veterans like Jrue Holiday.

But despite their early success, the Blazers remain one of the league’s weakest three-point shooting teams, a flaw that could cap their ceiling. Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley believes there’s a solution: go all-in for Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen.

“Markkanen could either assume focal-point duties in Portland or form a 1A-1B partnership with Most Improved Player candidate Deni Avdija,” Buckley wrote.

“Between those two, Toumani Camara, Jrue Holiday and Donovan Clingan, Portland would be ferocious on defense. Widen the lens a bit to account for Damian Lillard’s eventual return and more developmental seasoning for Yang Hansen, and you might have the recipe for top-10 efficiency ranks on both ends.”

Markkanen is enjoying a resurgent season, looking much like the All-Star version he was in 2023. He’s averaging 29.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting an impressive 39.4% from deep.

Meanwhile, Utah has stumbled to a 4–8 start. With Walker Kessler out for the season and a patient rebuild already underway, moving Markkanen could further increase the Jazz’s lottery odds. For Portland, it would be a chance to add a high-impact star who fits perfectly with their size, timeline, and system.

Bailey’s proposed framework sends Jerami Grant, Scoot Henderson, Kris Murray, a 2028 first-round pick (via ORL), and a 2031 first-round pick (top-10 protected) to the Jazz for Markkanen. It’s a significant haul, and the one Jazz would likely accept, but the Blazers will have to ensure they don’t give up too much.

Portland features one of the tallest lineups in the NBA with Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan anchoring the frontcourt. Adding another skilled seven-footer in Markkanen could supercharge that identity. While playmaking would remain an area of concern, Portland’s defensive infrastructure is strong enough to cover for Markkanen, and his elite shooting and underrated shot creation would help dramatically elevate the offense.

Markkanen is in the first year of a four-year, $195.8 million contract, earning roughly $46 million this season. Moving Grant, Henderson, and Murray should help Portland absorb his salary with minimal cap complications.